Erica Miller (l), Assistant Director of Education at White Birch Center, proudly displays school recycling award with Gwen Erley (r), Programs Coordinator for Northeast Resource Recovery Association.
5-year-old Brooke Bonilla participates in the Milk Jug Stomp contest at White Birch Center
On May 17th, 2016, White Birch Center of Henniker, was recognized by the Northeast Resource Recovery Association for outstanding school recycling efforts. White Birch received the “Rookie Recycler of the Year” Award for new and successful recycling initiatives in their Early Learning and School-age programs. The award ceremony was part of the Association’s annual School Recycling Conference & Expo, held at the Radisson Hotel in Nashua.
Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), is a regional non-profit leader in cooperative programs, educational and networking opportunities, and technical assistance that help enable communities to manage their own recycling programs. Through the NRRA’s School Recycling Club, support is available for students, teachers, schools, and communities in directing sustainable recycling and waste reduction programs.
The person behind the success of the recycling program at White Birch Center is Erica Miller, Assistant Director of Education. “I am excited to educate and empower children to take action in their community and to play an important role in protecting our planet”, states Miller. At White Birch, the children collect recyclables in their own classroom bins and are responsible for sorting them into larger outdoor bins on a weekly basis. They also participate in contests like the Milk Jug Stomp and activities such as Recycled Art. All the while, children are encouraged to question how materials are used and reused, and to share these ideas at home and with others.
The mission of White Birch Center is to be a community leader in providing exceptional programs and services that support learning and active living for children, adults, and families.